Figured Koa Box

This is the second size of the set of 3 I used to make. When I was making these wood was also much less expensive than it is today. Therefore Koa at that time was costly but it didn’t cost me my home or my first born to get. Koa is probably my most favorite wood and since my wife is from Hawaii it is even more special. I’m fortunate to still have Koa in my personal lumber inventory. Anyway this medium sized box is made exactly like the small but jointed box, using glue and 1/8” dowels to secure. 1/8” brass rod hinge pin is also concealed with a dowel plug. All these boxes have a base lined withfaux suede over card. The finish on this type of box for me was generally two applications of Watco oil. box size: 1-7/8” x 3-1/2” x 9-1/4” If you have any questions or would like specific information, feel free to ask. I have one other size of box in this series to show and will do so in a couple of days. Randy

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12 comments so far

Beautiful box! Koa is also my favorite of all woods. My wife and I adopted two Hawaiian children when we lived there some years ago, and I have enjoyed sending various items to their biological family members back in Hawaii as gifts. Like you said, though, it is expensive, and I normally don’t make the entire item out of Koa.

Great looking box. I too am lucky enough to have a small inventory of Koa and have been saving it. Not sure what for yet. The way that it looks plus the fact that I’m part Hawaiian, also makes it one of my favorite woods as well. And Mark, I believe Hearne Hardwoods carries some but it ain’t cheap. Veneers can also be found at some places. Hearne has flitches and lumber. Here are some links.

Thanks Mark. Most larger retailers can get Koa even if they don’t carry. Although with the prices what they are for Koa I want to see before I buy. I still have one piece of 4/4 Koa 12” wide and 12’ long that was described to me as figured. It was the plainest piece of Koa I’ve ever seen. I did not send it back because the golden color was still good. The prices some folks sell Koa for on eBay are ridiculous. For veneer Certainly Wood sure has some nice figured Koa but it’s very expensive. As you probably know from living in Hawaii, they don’t have any dry kilns on the islands so lumber is barged to the mainland for drying. I’m doing the same thing with most of my Koa waiting for a special project.

Great Job. I love Koa also. In fact, my lofty goal is to use Koa as my flooring through out my entire house. I already did the master bedroom and it’s beautiful. Unfortunately, it’s about 10 grand to finish the house:(

Good box and beautiful wood that Koa. I like the hinged lid idea. Very satisfying in its operation and uncomplicated, like metal hinges (which I can never get right). Good proportions too. Well posted.

Thanks to each of you for commenting. I often come to this site and view the work and blogs that many of you post and try to absorb as much as I can. Having worked a good deal of my life in the lumber industry and either working with or buying and selling wood, Koa is one of the best in texure, color, and working features.